The lines in stores at back-to-school time can be nearly as crazy as they are during the holidays. Save time and reduce stress by buying supplies and gear online. Check out this top 10 list of sites that make the grade.

1. Amazon.com is better known for electronics and books, but moms in the know turn to the mega site to finish their back-to-school shopping. This is the place to go for those hard-to-find specifics on some teachers’ lists. Purple 2-inch binder? No problem. And shipping is free on $25 or more.

2. CoolPencilCase.com is the place to go for, well, pencil cases. If your kid likes to stand out in a crowd, he’ll want to stash his essentials in one of the carry-alls found at this site. My favorites: the pack of gum and sneaker styles.

3. Staples.com has a huge selection of basics. You can search for supplies by age (grade school, middle school, high school, college) and find weekly deals like 1-cent folders. They even sell school uniforms.

4. ShoeBuy.com is a primo first stop for sneakers. What kid doesn’t start school with a new pair of kicks? They’ll match any other website’s price, and shipping is free. Your kid’s feet growing as fast as his vocabulary? Returns are free too, so no worries if they’re too small.

5. LandSend.com is a perennial favorite for fall jackets, but now they’ve cornered the market on functional, fun lunch boxes too. Check out the Kids’ Classmate EZ Wipe lunch box: cleans with just a wipe!

6. TheStationeryStudio.com has colorful, retro accessories to liven up standard supplies. Case in point: Bag tags, monogrammed ID tags that make it easy for your child to spy her backpack in the pile in the schoolyard.

7. StephenJosephGifts.com may not be a household name, but it should if the household has preschoolers. They’re known for their collection of pint-size, perky backpacks sized just right for two to four year olds.

8. LLBean.com backpacks are known as sturdy enough to last two years … and for good reason. But tough as they are, they still come in cool designs, like butterfly, lizard or mountain climber.

9. Post-it.com may sound like a one-act show, but take a look and be wowed by the variety of the recently-expanded Post-it line. Find a pen/highlighter/Post-it hybrid and giant Post-it pads, for starters.

10. KikkerLand.com is for when you’ve got all the must-buys, and you’re ready to treat your kid to adorable finds. Click on the stationery tab to find European-inspired desk accessories, such as the Honest Boy pencil sharpener, which comes with one pencil (think Pinocchio).

Christina Vercellettois a mom of three well-traveled kids. She has also served as an editor at Babytalk, Parenting and Scholastic Parent & Child.

Preparing for a new school year is an exciting time, but it can also be daunting. Luckily, Lifestyle expert Justine Santaniello partnered with Target to help find everything you need for students of all ages, whether they’re in elementary school or heading off to college. Trends for elementary school kids include personalization. More than ever, kids want to express themselves and show off their personalities in their gear and supplies. Target has a ton of great brands to choos...

Preparing for a new school year is an exciting time, but it can also be daunting. Luckily, Lifestyle expert Justine Santaniello partnered with Target to help find everything you need for students of all ages, whether they’re in elementary school or heading off to college. Trends for elementary school kids include personalization. More than ever, kids want to express themselves and show off their personalities in their gear and supplies. Target has a ton of great brands to choos...

The school year is about to begin, and parents across the country are getting kids ready with new school supplies, computers, tablets, and a few other must-haves. Before you send your student off to high school or even the far away world of college, you should sign up for these (or similar) services.More >>

The school year is about to begin, and parents across the country are getting kids ready with new school supplies, computers, tablets, and a few other must-haves. Before you send your student off to high school or even the far away world of college, you should sign up for these (or similar) services.More >>

When you move into a college dorm room, you accept certain limitations when it comes to your available living space. For gamers, that means you need to get a little creative in order to turn your room into the gamer cave you need to help you unwind between classes.More >>

When you move into a college dorm room, you accept certain limitations when it comes to your available living space. For gamers, that means you need to get a little creative in order to turn your room into the gamer cave you need to help you unwind between classes.More >>

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.